S24 Fe Vs S23 Is The Newer Samsung Fan Edition Actually Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung releases a new Fan Edition (FE) model, it’s always positioned as a compelling middle ground—offering flagship-like features at a more accessible price. The Galaxy S24 FE continues that tradition, arriving just months after the Galaxy S23. But if you already own an S23, or are considering one secondhand, is stepping up to the S24 FE truly worthwhile? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on what you value most in a smartphone: raw performance, camera quality, long-term software support, or overall value.

The S24 FE builds on the foundation of its predecessor with noticeable upgrades in processing power, display brightness, and AI integration. Yet, the S23 remains a powerful device, still supported with top-tier performance and excellent photography. To help you decide whether the upgrade makes sense for your needs, we’ll compare both phones across key categories and highlight where the differences matter—and where they don’t.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Same DNA

At first glance, the S24 FE and S23 look strikingly similar. Both feature glass backs, aluminum frames, and IP68 water and dust resistance. However, the design philosophies differ slightly. The S24 FE adopts the angular frame seen on the S24 series, giving it a more modern, boxy silhouette compared to the S23’s softer curves. This not only changes aesthetics but also how the phone feels in hand—some users prefer the sharper grip, while others miss the ergonomic smoothness.

Size-wise, the S24 FE is slightly larger and heavier (207g vs 188g), due to its bigger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The S23 sticks with a 6.1-inch screen, making it more compact and easier to use one-handed. If pocketability and lightweight handling are priorities, the S23 retains an edge.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed usability, consider using the S23 with a slim case—its smaller footprint remains unmatched in the current Samsung lineup.

Performance and Software: Generational Leap vs Still Powerful

Under the hood, the S24 FE is powered by the Exynos 2400 (in select regions) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (in others), depending on market. Either way, this represents a significant jump over the S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. While the S23 was a performance leader in 2023, the S24 FE brings improved GPU efficiency, better multitasking, and enhanced AI capabilities—especially relevant with Samsung’s new Galaxy AI suite.

Real-world impact? Apps launch faster, gaming is smoother at high settings, and background tasks like photo editing or voice transcription benefit from on-device AI processing. The S24 FE also comes with Android 14 out of the box and promises seven years of OS and security updates—a major improvement over the S23’s four-year commitment.

“Seven years of updates fundamentally changes the value proposition for mid-tier flagships. It means longer resale life and better security longevity.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Asia

For users planning to keep their phone beyond three years, this extended support makes the S24 FE a smarter long-term investment—even if the immediate speed gains feel modest.

Camera Comparison: More Versatility, Similar Output

The S23 set a high bar for mid-range flagships with its 50MP main sensor, delivering sharp, natural-looking photos in most conditions. The S24 FE keeps the same 50MP primary but adds a 12MP ultrawide and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom—upgrading from the S23’s 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom but older sensor tech.

In daylight, both phones produce excellent results. The difference emerges in low light and versatility. The S24 FE’s improved image processing engine reduces noise and enhances detail in dim environments. Its new AI-powered Nightography mode further closes the gap with the ultra-premium S24 Ultra.

Video recording sees meaningful improvements too. The S24 FE supports Super HDR and improved stabilization, especially useful when filming action or walking shots. While the S23 still records solid 8K video, the FE offers better dynamic range and color accuracy in challenging lighting.

Camera Specs Side-by-Side

Feature	Galaxy S24 FE	Galaxy S23
Main Sensor	50MP, f/1.8, OIS	50MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultrawide	12MP, f/2.2, 123° FoV	12MP, f/2.2, 120° FoV
Telephoto	10MP, f/2.4, 3x Optical Zoom	10MP, f/2.4, 3x Optical Zoom
Front Camera	12MP, f/2.2	10MP, f/2.2
Video Max	4K@60fps, Super HDR	8K@30fps, HDR10+

While specs are close, the S24 FE pulls ahead in computational photography thanks to newer hardware and AI enhancements. For photography enthusiasts who shoot frequently in mixed conditions, the upgrade is justified.

Battery and Charging: Bigger Capacity, Smarter Efficiency

The S24 FE packs a 4,700mAh battery, up from the S23’s 3,900mAh. Combined with the more efficient processor, this translates to noticeably longer endurance—often lasting a full day and a half under moderate use. The S23, while capable, tends to require daily charging, especially with heavy app usage or 5G connectivity.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless. Neither includes a charger in the box. However, the S24 FE benefits from adaptive refresh rate scaling (48–120Hz vs 48–120Hz on S23), which adjusts more dynamically based on content, conserving power without sacrificing smoothness.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery and AI-based app optimization in Settings > Battery to extend daily life on either device.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

If you're deciding whether to move from the S23 to the S24 FE—or choosing between them outright—consider the following checklist to guide your decision:

• Are you keeping your phone for 4+ years? → Yes? The S24 FE’s 7-year update promise makes it the better choice.
• Do you take a lot of photos in low light? → Yes? The S24 FE’s improved night processing is worth it.
• Is battery life a pain point? → Yes? The FE’s larger battery solves this.
• Do you prefer compact phones? → Yes? Stick with the S23’s smaller form factor.
• Is budget a concern? → Yes? Used/refurbished S23 models offer excellent value today.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Galaxy S23 since early 2023. She loves the camera and performance but finds herself charging it twice a day during workweeks. When she saw the S24 FE announcement, she hesitated—was it worth $699 when her S23 still worked well?

After testing both in-store, she noticed the FE’s brighter display made outdoor navigation easier, and the extra battery gave her peace of mind during travel days. Most importantly, learning about the seven-year software support convinced her. “I don’t want to upgrade again in two years,” she said. “If this phone lasts until 2030 with updates, it’s a better deal long-term.” She traded in her S23 and upgraded—now enjoying longer screen time and crisper low-light photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S24 FE faster than the S23?

Yes, the S24 FE uses a newer generation chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400), offering about 20–25% better CPU and GPU performance. Daily tasks feel snappier, and demanding apps run more smoothly.

Can the S24 FE replace a flagship like the S24 Ultra?

For most users, yes. It lacks the 10x periscope zoom and S Pen, but includes nearly all core features—same AI tools, premium build, and strong cameras. It’s ideal for those who want flagship-level experience without the $1,299 price tag.

Will the S23 still get updates?

Yes, but only until 2027 (four years from its 2023 release). In contrast, the S24 FE will be supported through 2031. If future-proofing matters, the FE wins.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Galaxy S24 FE isn’t a revolutionary leap over the S23, but it’s a thoughtful evolution. It improves where it counts: battery life, software longevity, display brightness, and AI-enhanced photography. If you’re coming from an older device like the S21 or S22, the jump to the S24 FE is unquestionably worth it.

But if you already own an S23, ask yourself: Are you experiencing limitations in battery, performance, or camera performance? Do you plan to keep your phone beyond 2027? If so, the upgrade makes practical sense. If not, the S23 remains a highly capable device—and selling or trading it now could offset the cost of moving up.

💬 Have you made the switch from S23 to S24 FE? Share your experience below. Your insights could help others decide whether this upgrade delivers real-world value.